A Flooring contractor installs different types of flooring and floor covering in both commercial and residential buildings. Flooring contractors work with standard products like carpeting and vinyl as well as specialty products such as ceramic tile, hardwood or concrete flooring. This is a trade-based career that requires training on flooring installation techniques and product knowledge. There are also licensing requirements that need to be met in order to get started as a Flooring contractor.
The licensing process to become a Flooring contractor involves passing two exams. The first is the California Law and Business exam which must be taken before a flooring contractor can begin working as one. The second is the Flooring & Floor Covering C-15 exam which must be passed in order for a person to legally perform a flooring contracting job. Individuals who are interested in becoming a Flooring contractor should first gain some experience working in the field as an installer and then take classes on flooring products at a community college or trade school to increase their knowledge of the industry.
Getting the best prices for a flooring project is often the most important part of choosing a flooring contractor. It is important to request multiple quotes before making a final decision. A reputable contractor should be able to provide a quote for the entire project including materials and labor. Oftentimes, an honest contractor will be able to save you money by providing the best materials for your specific needs.
Some flooring contractors operate showrooms where consumers can view and purchase their choice of flooring products. These companies typically stock popular brands for sale to the general public and offer installation services on a contractual basis as well. A Flooring contractor that is experienced in sales can often find the best pricing for their products from manufacturers by leveraging their relationships and volume.
A Flooring contractor is typically responsible for the planning and management of a flooring project, from the initial design consultation to the actual installation. This can involve a significant amount of time based on the size of a project. Management responsibilities include ordering the correct quantity of material, managing delivery schedules, scheduling elevators or cranes, verifying material arrival, monitoring job site deliveries and overseeing actual installation. These duties can add up to 6 to 12 hours of management time per 10,000 square feet of installed flooring on a large project.
A good relationship with the manufacturer is important for a Flooring contractor because it can save them money on materials and reduce the overall cost of a project. It also allows them to have access to the most efficient methods for storing, staging and delivering the product. This includes being able to avoid expensive expedited shipping charges, manage color matching and handling issues on the jobsite, ensure that the product is delivered to the correct area of the building and that it is in the right condition for installation. These efficiencies can help save the end user between 5% and 10% on their total project budget.